Yes, you read that mind-blowing headline correctly.
According to ESPN NBA reporter Brian Windhorst, the Lakers front office called the Cavaliers front office to inquire about a potential earth shattering Kobe for LeBron trade.
According to Windhorst this happened in the summer of 2007 after LeBron had just led an underwhelming team to the NBA Finals and a disgruntled Kobe was demanding a trade.
This allegedly was the only time that the Cavaliers ever received a phone call or inquiry for a LeBron James trade as LeBron was seen and may still be seen as the ultimate untouchable.
LeBron was 22 at the time and Kobe was entering his prime at 28. The Cavs refuted the offer and offered anything else on their roster but the Lakers turned them down of course.
When asked about it, Kobe said the trade never would have happened because of his no trade clause and the only destinations he would have accepted were Chicago, Phoenix and San Antonio.
Kobe confirmed in an interview with Bill Simmons about a year ago that the Lakers agreed to a trade in 2007. It would have sent Kobe to the Pistons for Richard Hamilton, Tayshaun Prince and a bunch of first round picks which Kobe denied with his no trade clause.
This was LeBron’s reaction to the news:
“I believe it,” LeBron said. “If you are going to trade a big fish like that you have to get another big fish in return.”
Feel free to let this all sink in and contemplate what the NBA and past 10 years would have looked like had the Cavs and Kobe somehow accepted this offer.
